Former St. Louis Podiatrist Convicted of Scheme to Defraud Medicare and Medicare Fraud

ST. LOUIS -- Following a four-day trial, Dr. Dawn Rhodes, 43, presently of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of eight counts of engaging in a scheme to defraud Medicare and submitting false claims to Medicare.  The trial took place before U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey.

Rhodes, a podiatrist, falsely described and billed for purported care to residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities.  More specifically and among other things, Rhodes falsely claimed that she provided routine nail care to patients when, in fact, those patients never received the care or never possessed a condition that would require the care identified by Rhodes for Medicare reimbursement. 

Between 2013 and 2017, Rhodes submitted false claims to Medicare totaling $1,443,672.53.

Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Kansas City Region, stated following the jury’s verdict, “Unscrupulous health care providers who improperly bill Medicare for non-covered services will continue to be vigorously pursued by our office in order to preserve the integrity of the program.”

U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen applauded the work of the prosecution team and investigators, “Today’s conviction of Dr. Rhodes is the culmination of a five-plus-year investigation resulting in a total of nine federal convictions, sentences to prison, and judgements requiring restitution of almost $7 million.  We appreciate the coordinated effort of our federal law enforcement partners and are pleased with the jury’s unanimous verdict on all counts charged.” 

Rhodes’ sentencing has been set for August 13, 2019.  Rhodes faces a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment on each scheme to defraud count.  Rhodes faces a maximum term of 5 years imprisonment on each false claim count.  Mandatory restitution will also be required. In determining actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by Health and Human Services and the St. Louis division of the FBI.  The case was tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Gwendolyn Carroll.